Following California’s historic $6 billion investment in
broadband infrastructure through the enactment of
SB 156, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)
issued a
ruling requesting comment earlier this month to collect
recommendations for key aspects of a statewide middle-mile
broadband network. CSAC and CPUC staff are holding a briefing and
listening session for local officials tomorrow, August 20, 2021
to ensure their voices and needs are included and represented.
Signed by
Governor Gavin Newsom last month, SB 156 includes $3.25
billion for the creation of a statewide open-access middle-mile
network, which will be owned by the state and built along much of
the State’s highway system. This network will be available to all
internet providers on non-discriminatory terms, making it faster
and cheaper for new and existing providers to build last-mile
infrastructure to homes and businesses with little or no
broadband access. The middle-mile network can also be directly
available to anchor institutions along its route.
While the CPUC has already developed a preliminary map for where
middle-mile network fiber will be laid, they have asked for
comments from stakeholders and the public for suggestions before
finalizing the plan. This gives counties an opportunity to
influence whether the network passes by or connects to health
care facilities, schools, public safety operations, government
offices, and other important community anchor
institutions. The Commission is also calling for input
related to existing infrastructure, priority areas,
affordability, long term leases, interconnection, and network
route capacity.
Opening comments from formal parties to the proceeding are due
Friday, August 27, and reply comments are due Tuesday, September
7. Individual members of the public are encouraged to file
informal comments using the public comment
portal. These may be filed at any time, and there is no
comment deadline. Instructions for submitting public comment and
learning more about how to participate can be found at the
CPUC’s website.
The briefing with CPUC staff is open to county officials,
including supervisors, executive staff, IT directors, economic
development officials, and others. The details are as follows:
Date: Friday, August 20, 2021 at 3 p.m.
Zoom link:
click here
Meeting ID: 856 838 0674
Passcode: w48gS3fQ
